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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

After a late party, Jacqueline is pushed into a car by Buck, a school chum, who desperately tries to have his way with her. Luckily, she is saved by Lucas before things get out of hand. But the nightmare doesn't end there. Now, Buck won't leave her alone, threatening to finish what he started. Can she count on Lucas to save her again?

Rape is not a pleasant topic, at all, and so it's surprising to see an author revolve an entire plot line around it. From self-defence class, to the fear of letting others know, to overcoming everything that rape entails -- Tammara Webber plunges in head on, making sure that readers understand not only the pain that accompanies rape but the consequences it carries on if we don't let others in for support.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Wish you were here!
Sadly, those four little words mean nothing to Lucy and Owen, who are both loners and never travel anywhere exciting. The pair met in an elevator, quickly bonding over several quirks they both shared. But after spending one day together, their parents announce they are leaving -- maybe for good -- and hence begins the pile of postcards that will be sent back and forth.

The tension that culminates in the postcards is sweet. One can't help but hope that these two will meet again on top of a beautiful building. But the reality is another. Distance can really put a damper on a relationship, especially one that wasn't strong enough to begin with. So in comes the replacements such as Liam and Paisley who although good looking don't share the spark that Lucy and Owen shared.

Are long distance relationships doomed? I don't know, I wish Smith hadn't concluded with an open ending. On the plus side, the pov switch are well-paced, and we get to experience Owen's struggle of growing up with a single father.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Happy Easter to all!! Don't know how much reading I'll get done this week, but I am looking forward to spend time with family and friends this long weekend. Here's what's waiting for me on my nightstand:

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

A huge downside of being a princess is the inability to choose your husband.
For Marie, a princess desperately in love with a guard, the solution to happy ever after is simple. All she needs is to convince Aelwyn, a young sorceress, to take over her appearance so she and the guard can escape in return for a lifetime of royalty. Add to the cast, a betrothed prince with a jealous mistress, his brother Wolf with a street-fighting double identity, a poor rich girl who desperately needs to wed and you get lots of funny, romantic, and dramatic turn of events.

The chapters constantly change point-of-view, giving us eyes all over the palace. One big plus in the story is De La Cruz's ability to use the right dose of magic without turning the story into fantasy. Alas, the ending might have been too rushed for my taste, but I'm sure the sequel will solve things out.

All in all, a written proof that Melissa De La Cruz was meant to write historical fiction.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Far from you takes the theme What happens when you can't be with someone you love? on a whole other level.

For Sophie, the grief over Mina's death seems unending. The killer is still on the loose, and worse, people suspect Sophie's involvement due to the drugs found at the scene. Tess Sharpe wisely divided the book into three parts: the accident -- a car crash caused by Mina's brother, Trev, which left Sophie crippled and addicted to painkillers, and Trev feeling responsible for her. The events leading to the climax. And lastly, we flash forward to the aftermath of Mina's murder and Sophie's determination to solve the crime.

Although, the investigation is slowly plotted throughout the book to allow the bisexual triangle between Mina, Sophie and Trev to take place, the story felt oddly shaped at times. Either the cuts were too sudden or too repetitive. But mostly, Sharpe did a good job at placing the reader in Sophie's head. The turmoil Mina put her through by wanting to hide their love and practically force Sophie's relationship with Trev. The pity Trev had for Sophie. Her parents anger against her addiction to painkillers. It felt as if everyone devalued Sophie. Including Sophie herself.

All in all, Far from you had a wonderful conclusion, making sure that every point in the story was addressed.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Missy was bullied at a young age due to her name. The feeling of unease upon returning to Anna Maria Island is felt throughout the book, as if at any moment people could remember the nickname and send her back to those dark days. The self-esteem issues overpower the bullying, teaching us that sometimes getting the bullies to stop doesn't mean the end. Sometimes we are our own bullies.

Quigley doesn't rest at that. She tackles the topic of suicide in an unexpected way, mixing the plot along with a boy toy loving mother, a deadbeat father, and steps we need to take to open-up to someone and let them in.

Heartbreaking and moving, Like Moonlight at Low Tide is a fair reminder that we shouldn't judge someone until we know their story.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Parker Frost might not be related to the famous writer Robert Frost, nonetheless, her records surpass the rest of her classmates. Her mom is certain of her success, taking every opportunity to remind Parker to study. To forego friendships. To be number one.

But when a teacher places Parker in charge of mailing old school journals to their rightful owners, Parker finds Juliana's, a student who lost her life in a terrible car crash. The revelation far too tempting, Parker reads it and uncovers just how important living life to the fullest really is -- unless you enjoy drowning in regrets.

The mystery part was expected and evident from the start. Due to her upbringing, Parker's character is one-dimensional. Juliana on the other hand is not. One can't help but be mesmerized by how poetic, full of life, and romantic, her version is.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Can the government control our votes and force us to make them blindly?

When Lenny lends his friend Casper ten dollars to help him purchase a handlebar mustache, things get out of line. Suddenly, Casper is robbing banks. Hypnotizing people. And the worst part is no one seems to recognize him under the disguise. So how is Lenny supposed to stop him now that Casper is going for mayor?

Although the story targets middle-graders, the subject matter is quite strong and the tension constantly present. All the while filled with quirky jokes and new characters such as Josie the Cowgirl, who gets her turn at unravelling the crime.

Fake Mustache teaches us that we can't always stand by and watch friends turn criminals, the power of a well-groomed mustache, and how important it is to stand-up for what we believe in even when we are alone.